Hudson Valley Drivers Need New Licenses By October 1

Lines at the local DMV are only getting longer as Hudson Valley residents realize they need a new license.

New regulations are forcing many Hudson Valley residents to take time off from work and spend the day getting a new driver's license. Starting October 1, standard New York State driver's licenses will not be valid for air travel. That means that anyone who doesn't already have a passport will need to upgrade to a new license if they don't want to be grounded this Fall.

New Yorkers have two choices when it comes to new licenses. You can get a REAL ID or an Enhanced ID. For residents who occasionally fly, the REAL ID is probably all that you need. It conforms with new federal regulations and is vaild for flying domestically.

Those who frequently travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico or some Caribbean islands have the opportunity to get an Enhanced ID. This license will double as a passport in these situations, allowing residents to enter and exit neighboring countries.

Whichever license you need, you should expect long lines at the DMV. Hudson Valley drivers have reported an average of two hours when waiting to get their new licenses, and that time is only expected to increase as the October 1 deadline approaches.

Because the REAL ID and Enhanced ID meet the government's higher standards of security, you will need to provide a long list of documents proving your identity. A combination of Social Security cards, utility bills, birth certificates and other documents will be needed on the day you visit the DMV to get your new license. It's important to visit the DMV's website to find out exactly what you need to bring with you. Otherwise, you may just spend a couple of hours in line only to learn you need to come back and do it all over again.

For more details on which ID you need, and how to get yours before the deadline approaches, you can visit the New York State DMV online.

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